This craft has been introduced sometime early in the Christian Era by a colony of Syrians who settled in Kerala. The present form of embroidery is of recent origin and it is believed that the London Mission Society gave a start to it during first quarter of the 19th century. Embroidery and lace work is mainly done in Eravipuram, Changanasserry, Kottayam, Pala, Parashala, Thrissur and Kannur. The Talangara village of Kasaragod taluk is famous for the textile cap making industry. The cotton caps manufactured here find a ready market in the African and Gulf countries. The finished products dominantly comprise items for household use like curtains, bedspreads, furniture covers and dress material. The women in Kerala also do delicate crochet work and spider fine lace embroidery. This craft came into existence in and around Kerala with the arrival of the Portuguese in India. Since then, the craft has spread, and is a vocation for people of this region. The fine craftsmanship in this tradition is displayed in attaching patches of needless work, woven flowers in lace and net patterns with gossamer fine thread. At times lace is embroidered onto curtains, bed spreads or dress material, showing off the magic of deft fingers. Hand embroidery is also done with shadow work and colourful flower patterns and cut out motifs. Embroidery is done on linen and sarees also.

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